Im so sorry to hear of his passing. Michigan Police Officer Is Terminated After K.K.K. Application Was But his van was newly cleaned and there was no evidence to link to him to the crime. My deepest condolences to all his family and many friends. Bill worked as a Road Patrol Deputy at the Omaha Police Department and the Box Butte Sheriff Department. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. D.J. But that abduction of a teenage female walking alone on a deserted road at 6 a.m. helps fuel Kashers belief that Willis was a predator who would drive around looking for victims. He was suspended from the force, and later signed a separation agreement with the city. Emergency: 911 Lt. Michael Kasher with the Norton Shores Police Department to the left of Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson as he speaks at a press conference about charging Jeffrey Willis with murder and kidnapping in the Jessica Heeringa case Tuesday morning, Sept. 20, 2016 at the Muskegon County Courthouse in Muskegon, Michigan. Connect Muskegon | Explore the Community Engagement Hub, Authorities & Business Improvement Districts, Lot Division/Combination and New Address Applications, 2008 Downtown and Lakeshore Redevelopment Plan, Muskegon Lake Shoreline Assessment Report, 1997 Downtown/Lakeshore Redevelopment Plan, Downtown Development Authority/Brownfield Redevelopment Board, Crime Activity and Traffic Team Lieutenant, Sanford St and Houston Ave Road Construction, Sherman Blvd and Glenside Blvd Road Construction, Roberts St Road Construction and Water Service Line Replacement, Winter Parking Restrictions Begin December 1. They include numerous other law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police and Muskegon County Sheriffs Department as well as local police departments, the FBI and Secret Service that formed a task force to work the case. Ext. Labor Contracts | Muskegon County, MI Investigators followed up on a tip, interviewing Willis and searching his van a couple weeks after Heeringa disappeared. Nancy Timmer (clerical) He could regale you for hours with the most amazing stories and with each story you learned more about the man. This is a chance for the commission to move in the right direction, where we could actually make some change and listen to the voices of the community, he said. Phone: : 231-724-6442 or Toll-Free 877-521-JOBS (5627) Fax: : 231-724-6840. Ext. Muskegon Heights, MI 49444 Abandoned Vehicle TR-52/Bill of Sale: $60. (Cory Morse, MLive.com). Amy.Gerard3@mcd911.net A small memorial with balloons and a teddy bear could be . Jessica Heeringa detective still lives with 'the void' and criticism 10 WILLIAM WIEBENGA Obituary (1953 - 2023) - Norton Shores, MI - Muskegon Chronicle WILLIAM R. WIEBENGA Jr. 1953 - 2023 1953 DIED 2023 FUNERAL HOME Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee. Forms Complete necessary documents. It was their assistance, including the establishment of a tip line and system to prioritize them which eventually numbered over 2,000 that helped the Norton Shores department that some thought was too small solve the case, Kasher said. The other part of the case post-Willis that remains open and could always -- is an inability to connect Willis cousin Kevin Bluhm to Heeringas murder, Kasher said. 1 was here. WILLIAM WIEBENGA Obituary (1953 - 2023) - Norton Shores, MI - Muskegon Then there was the post-Willis part of it the part that doesnt appear to have an end. Record Fees. The Norton Shores Police Department, located in Norton Shores, Michigan is a law enforcement agency that has been granted specific police powers in Muskegon County. Quick Links. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I did not know Mr. Wiebenga, however his obituary tells me he was indeed an unselfish man and an American hero. Ypsilanti Police Department officers were dispatched to the intersection of Huron River Drive and LeForge Road around 10:20 a.m. on April 22, for a crash involving a train and pedestrian, police said. Welcome to the North Muskegon Police Department The detective sergeant and later lieutenant -- endured biting criticism during the years that her disappearance went unsolved. Chris McIntireAddress: 345 Northland Drive, NE - RockfordPhone Number: 616-842-2100, Police Chief: Robert J. RoughtAddress: 8778 Ferry StreetPhone Number: 231-893-0810, Police Chief: Tim ThielbarAddress: 1990 E Apple AvenuePhone Number: 231-777-1666, Police Chief: Jon GaleAddress: 4814 HenryPhone Number: 231-733-2691Norton Shores Website, Chief: Roger D. SquiersAddress: 405 E ColbyPhone Number: 231-894-2317, Sheriff: Michael PoulinAddress: 25 W Walton AvenuePhone Number: 231-724-6351Sheriff Department Website, Police Chief: Maurice SainAddress: 2715 Baker StreetPhone Number: 231-733-8900, Director of Public Safety:Address: 980 JeffersonPhone Number: 231-724-6750Muskegon Police Website, Police Chief: Edward ViveretteAddress: 1114 RuddimanPhone Number: 231-744-4313Police Department Website, Police Chief: David BooneAddress: 900 Oakridge RoadPhone Number: 231-755-3721Roosevelt Park Police Department Website, Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office990 Terrace Street 5th FloorMuskegon, MI 49442Phone: 231-724-6435Fax: 231-724-6685. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. You did your job and your watch has come to and. Investigators know from many witness interviews that he frequented the Exxon station and would chat with her. I hadnt seen him a few years - but I always enjoyed talking to him. The officers of this City work very hard to bring all of you the very best in services in a courteous and professional manner. Bill was incredibly proud of his children, Bill and Kacey and grandkids, Mia and Billy, and loved to tell everyone about them. In the meantime, Commissioner Ramsey said he would begin a series of Zoom meetings with constituents, so that we can just begin to have conversations about what a reimagination of a public system looks like., Emotional stories shared by black residents at Muskegon forum on policing, Whitmer seeks federal help for flooded West Michigan homeowners, New sculpture honoring Muskegons lumber past arrives at Heritage Landing, Construction delayed again on 6-story, mixed-use building in downtown Muskegon. Our non-emergency business number is (231)722-3524 for crimes that are not in progress, or . In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. People said he was a failure. Kasher believes he also was watching another woman who worked at the station. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. Julie, we are so sorry for your loss. Theirs was a love story for the ages. Johnsons name has been evoked locally when activists have decried other Black Americans killed by police, such as George Floyd, a Minnesota man who died when a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, and Breonna Taylor, a Grand Rapids native who was killed in her Lousville, Kentucky, home. Hes convinced that Bluhm was more involved than he let on. North Muskegon Police Department 1114 Ruddiman Drive North Muskegon, MI 49445. Records | Muskegon County, MI Police Department - Muskegon Township Provide a work environment which stresses teamwork, recognizes the value of diversity and encourages professional development. Hundreds march in honor of George Floyd in downtown Muskegon. Sheriff's Office | Muskegon County, MI Like most true heroes, modesty prevents them from accepting that title, but it doesn't change the facts. Regular business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Encourage cooperation and support at the neighborhood level, as well as the greater community. Officer Katie Brandt Earlier in the evening, Mayor Stephen Gawron defended Muskegons police department, saying that a community policing program was introduced in the 1990s in order to address a burgeoning violent crime rate., We do community policing so we dont kill people, he said, adding that community relations have improved since that style of policing was introduced. We continue to make progress to meet the directives of the statute and add information to the database that is of great public interest, said Enrique Zuniga, Executive Director of POST. There are other aspects of the investigation that plague him 10 years later. The primary function of the Police Department is deterring crime, stopping crimes in progress, investigating crimes, and serving as first responders for emergencies and situations . Lynnfield Today, the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Executive Director Robert Ferullo and Lynnfield Academy Director Jack Dillon announced the graduation of 49 police officers from the MPTC Lynnfield Police Academy's 2nd Recruit Officer Class (ROC). A suspension order is in effect until a final decision or revocation is made by the Commission. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? If you're not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, we strongly recommend calling 911 and letting the call-taker assist you in your determination. Visit us for city regulation questions, various permits, and other police needs. He also worked as a paramedic for Bud's Ambulance and was a supervisor for the Prisoner Reentry Program at Goodwill Industries. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. A lock icon ( This follows the POST Commissions early December release of information on recertified officers A-H and newly certified graduates. Well yeah, thats why I brought in other peopleI was more than happy to have their assistance.. North Muskegon Police Department 1114 Ruddiman Drive North Muskegon, MI 49445 (231) 744 - 4313 Submit a Tip Help make Muskegon a safe community to live, work and play. This page is not a substitute for reporting crime. Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net And so it is, You failed. Jeffrey Willis is facing trial for the kidnapping and murder of Heeringa, who disappeared from her late-night job at a Norton Shores gas station in April 2013. That employee was instrumental in police finding surveillance video that helped them identify the van and connect it to Willis, Kasher said. Before casting the lone dissenting vote on the budget, City Commissioner Willie German expressed dismay that changes had not been made to the police budget to reflect community concerns. 1119 Police Clerk Deasha Hill Bill later received his Bachelor of Criminal Justice Degree from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. RELATED: Hundreds gather in Muskegon to march for racial justice. Close alerts. Activists have also condemned Anderson being allowed to retire from the police force, rather than being fired, which grants him access to a pension and retiree health insurance. Fingerprints on a MI-R008 card or FBI card (Expungements, Name Change, Liquor License, Silencer): $18. Police Personnel Address 1990 E. Apple Avenue Muskegon, MI 49442 Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM (Closed 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM for Lunch Hour) Contact Phone: (231) 777-1666 (For Non-Emergencies Only) FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 Chief of Police Tim A. Thielbar Tim.Thielbar@mcd911.net Ext. Because for Michael Kasher, the case has an openness he cant ignore. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. It was, Kasher said, the big break for the Heeringa and Bletsch cases. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. By law, the city had to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year, which is July 1. Officer Todd Friend Elijah Nichols enumerated some of those desired resources during the public comment period, including free mental health services, unarmed crisis interventionists, increased minimum wage and public housing. He has moved on from Norton Shores Police. I feel deep guilt because maybe if I would have pushed it and did a full court press on it, Rebekah wouldnt have been dead, she wouldnt have been shot, Kasher said. It is a void that he has to live with, Kasher told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Our goal should be to end police violence, not mitigate it.. But did Willis know that around 11 p.m. April 26, 2013, he would carry out his twisted crime against Heeringa? The games were a family affair, average over 400 spectators per game! With police interviewing dozens of people at that time, Willis didnt stand out, Kasher said. Bluhm pleaded no contest to being an accessory after Heeringas murder and for lying to police. Hilson, Muskegon's current county prosecutor, told The Muskegon Chronicle that he might re-evaluate the 2009 shooting, depending on the results of the Police Department's internal . The 542-bed facility managed by the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office is located at: Muskegon County Jail. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. U.S. National Central Bureau of Interpol. Published by Muskegon Chronicle from Apr. This is connected to the arrest of Jeffery Willis who is a suspect in the April attempted kidnapping on West River Road in Muskegon County. See more of Fitchburg Police Department on Facebook To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Bill completed his law enforcement career as the Chief of Police for the City of Roosevelt Park. Gawron pointed to bias training that 150 out of 238 city employees have received, community programs like a fishing derby pairing local youth with cops, and the countys Social Justice Commission, which the city supports, he said. Share on Twitter William R. Wiebenga, Jr., age 69, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023. This is connected to the arrest of Jeffery Willis who is a suspect in the April attempted kidnapping on West River Road in Muskegon County. Oh, man, you dont have anybody. Oh man, you guys are sinking., I never read it, but people would tell me about it, he said. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The list of suspended law enforcement officers can be found in the Data and Reports section of www.mass.gov/orgs/post-commission along with a database of recertified officers with last names beginning with A-H and newly graduated officers with last names A-Z. This application may be denied for false statements and/or non payment of all fees owed to the City of Muskegon Heights. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System). We will use this information to improve this page. Fitchburg, Massachusetts, United States Investigator - Detective Bureau of Criminal Investigation, conducting criminal . Another caller, Kwame James, suggested that system-level change may take a long time. Boston - The Massachusetts POST Commission has released a list of fifteen suspended law enforcement officers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Share by Email, North Muskegon City Hall All Rights Reserved. Director of Public Safety: Brian MichelliAddress: 6543 Airline HighwayPhone Number: 231-865-8477, Post Commander: F/Lt. North Muskegon Police Department (231) 744-4313 1114 Ruddiman Dr North Muskegon, MI 49445. We've got you covered. SAGINAW, MI A former Saginaw police officer has received a probationary term for assaulting a handcuffed woman nearly three years ago. After all, customers had been in and out of the station all night. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He also believes Willis was watching Heeringa at the store. Kasher lived and breathed the case following Heeringas abduction from a gas station where she worked near Muskegon on April 26, 2013. 6 month old girl dies in Muskegon shooting | WWMT If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. United States Marshals Service. Background Check: $30 (Corresponding Reports: $6) Jail History: $6. As the city continues to figure out what additional state and federal resources are available, there may be more flexibility within city coffers, Peterson said. Norton Shores Police Lt. Michael Kasher makes a face as Jeffrey Willis speaks about the Norton Shores Police Department being corrupt before he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2013 murder and kidnapping of Jessica Heeringa on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Muskegon County Courthouse in Muskegon, Michigan. Arrangements handed by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. He also served 2 tours in the Vietnam War 1972-1974 and with the SAC Elite Guard out of Nebraska 1974-1976. Her body has never been recovered. Connect Muskegon | Explore the Community Engagement Hub I worked with Bill at MPD years ago. In Norton Shores, Mich. Through the hard work of the COPS Board, Muskegon County now has a uniform computer reporting system that works for the police on the street and against the criminal. Were not going to fix it next year, he said. That, he said, is something hes been unable to make peace with. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Directions. The budget, which goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1, includes a $28.8 million general fund, of which $10.76 million is allocated to the police department. Officer David Morrell MCCC Group prepares to help canvas and clean up the City. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00-5:00 PM Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Julie Wiebenga's Residence. Ways to honor WILLIAM WIEBENGA's life and legacy. You are the failure. North Muskegon Public Schools TECH and SECURITY Millage Renewal VOTE - May 2, 2023, Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Services, Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of North Muskegon, Michigan - City Hall. Lt. Michael Kasher with the Norton Shores Police Department talks with a member of the Michigan State Police as they execute a search warrant on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 3038 Bailey St. If you need assistance, please contact the POST Commission. This follows the POST Commission's early December release of information on recertified officers A-H and newly certified graduates. He is survived by his wife, Julie A. Wiebenga; daughter, Kacey (David) Romanes; son, William R. (Valeria) Wiebenga III; sister, Lin (Terry) Westra; brother-in-law, Chris (Lynne) Huismann; sister-in-law, Mary (John) Woods; grandkids, Mia and William Wiebenga; nieces and nephews, Charissa Arman, Kyle and Alec Huismann, Bryan Woods; and special 4-legged kids, Fancy, Winston, Hunter and Stillwell. Several commissioners said they would continue to engage in conversations around city funding, with Michael Ramsey and Ken Johnson both saying they hoped the body would find ways of moving money towards social and community programs. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. The ends of body cameras are less murders, but it does not stop them, he said. Crime Prevention Association of Michigan (CPAM), Address1990 E. Apple AvenueMuskegon, MI 49442, Office HoursMonday-Friday 8:00 AM 4:45 PM (Closed 1:00 PM 2:00 PM for Lunch Hour), ContactPhone: (231) 777-1666(For Non-Emergencies Only), Tim A. Thielbar "The Muskegon Department of Public Safety wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones who were touched by this tragedy," police said in a statement. We love you both. Unemployment soared in the Muskegon-Norton Shores metro area during the height of the outbreak, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 3.9 percent to 29.3 percent. 225 were here. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Use this button to show and access all levels. 1114 Ruddiman Dr. NEW! Her body has never been recovered. c. 6E, 9(a)(1). 6-month-old dies in West Michigan shooting, four in custody Paul McNamara - Vice President - LinkedIn Area police agencies are committed to providing our community with safe streets and successful prosecutions. Related: Kevin Bluhm walks free for his role in Jessica Heeringas murder. Regular office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Kayla Renie / Muskegon Chronicle via AP file. I think he saw an opportunity, Kasher said. Officer Brendan Zandi, Share on Facebook Police Department | City of Muskegon Heights But if we earnestly commit to re-evaluating what were doing here, and developing some systemic changes, then we will position ourselves maybe to fix it over the course of, perhaps, this generation.. Accident reports can be purchased online HERE. Officer Bios - City of North Muskegon Theres no way he knewthat Rebekah was going to go for a run that day. It is the intent of each employee to make our City a better place to live, work, and visit. U.S. Department of Justice. Related: Jeffrey Willis trial: Tearful witness believes she saw Heeringa kidnapping. From uniformed patrol officers to narcotics investigators to bureau detectives, Muskegon County is protected twenty-four hours a day by hard-working, street savvy law enforcement officers. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. He was born October 2, 1953 in Grand Haven, MI to William R. and Evelyn (Broersma) Wiebenga, Sr. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. It is the intent of each employee to make our City a better place to live, work, and visit. We hope that you find the information on our website helpful and easy to find. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In 2011, he took the job in Muskegon, managing both the city's police and fire departments. We are sorry for your loss and even though it doesn't lessen the pain, William is now receiving his just reward. I think he was just patrolling up and down streets.. Related: Jessica Heeringas disappearance a tragic mystery 10 years later. (MLive file photo). (Joel Bissell | MLive.com), Lt. Michael Kasher with the Norton Shores Police Department tapes off an area during a search warrant on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 3038 Bailey St. The Police Department is on duty 24 hours a day. 1117, Patrick Vandommelen All rights reserved (About Us). (231) 724-6351. Police and Housing Commission staffers helps with the Commissions Back to School Bash! It comes down to evidence and we didnt have it. Marquette Campus. 1 injured, 1 killed in Muskegon shooting | wzzm13.com Officer fired for KKK and Confederate items says he's just a fan of Police - Muskegon Central Dispatch 9-1-1 Police Home Employee Contacts Property Check Request FOIA Request Contact Us Fruitport Township Police | 5825 Airline Hwy Fruitport, MI 49415 | Phone: 231 865-8477 | Fax: 231 865-2173 Office Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm M-F | After hours please contact Muskegon Central Dispatch 231-722-3524